Shillong Oct 2: The 150th birth anniversary of the Father of the nation, Mahatma Gandhi was commemorated on Wednesday in which various localities took part in the cleaning drive along with a pledge to stop the use of plastic.

As a tribute to the Father of the Nation, various programs to commemorate this anniversary were organized.

Chief Minister, Conrad K Sangma paid floral tribute at the statue of Gandhi at Rilang Building, Main Secretariat and took part in the cleaning drive.

Various groups and localities also organized cleaning drive during the day.

An awareness program and cleaning drive was also organized by Saiñdur Enviro in different regions of Meghalaya to fight against plastic pollution.

“Each State has been asked to take up a program or project in line with the teachings of Gandhi and to ensure that there is maximum public participation in these programs. We have decided to take up cleanliness and the issue of plastic pollution and link it with the larger subject of environmental degradation and preventive measures for a cleaner and pollution free environment. That is why from the past few months, we have initiated different programs to ensure cleaner and plastic-free state,” the chief minister said.

He also lauded the efforts put in by different cement companies that are partnering with the State of Meghalaya so that the State benefits through their various CSR activities.

According to the chief minister, Topcem and Dalmia cement plants have embarked on the initiative to turn plastic waste into fuel for their cement plants at the same time ensure that all environmental standards are maintained.

“We have also embarked on an initiative to use plastic in road construction and I hope that we will be able to scale this up in the future,” he said while stressing on community participation.

Stating that it is crucial for the government to look at the growth of the economy, he said that ensuring a balance between economic development and environmental sustainability is the policy that the government has envisaged.

Talking about Gandhi, Conrad said that he along with other freedom fighters fought hard through non violent means to secure freedom.

“Today we are fighting a different battle not for independence, but for survival. We need to ensure that the environment and ecology is protected. We must realize that the environment is in a very fragile state. If we don’t act now in another 5 or 10 years, we may not be able to reverse the impact of climate change. During the fight for independence, we talked about dying for the country, but now after 72 years, the slogan should be living for the nation,” the Chief Minister stated.

He called upon all citizens to come together and live for the country and mother earth by participating in all activities that are important to the people of the State and the environment and take a pledge that “we will live for our country, our State and our city.”